Los Angeles, June 17, 2026 – Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass today announced the appointment of Joone Kim-Lopez as the new Director of the Los Angeles Sanitation and Environment (LASAN) under the Board of Public Works.

The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Los Angeles City Council. Once confirmed, Kim-Lopez’s official term will begin on July 27, 2026.With this appointment, Joone Kim-Lopez becomes the first Korean American to serve as Director of the Sanitation and Environment Department in the history of the City of Los Angeles, and the first Korean American to lead any of the five departments under the Board of Public Works. This historic appointment marks a significant milestone for Korean American women’s leadership and reflects Los Angeles’ strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.

In her appointment letter, Mayor Bass stated, “Joone Kim-Lopez is the ideal leader to guide the Sanitation and Environment Department, bringing with her a wealth of experience and proven expertise. She will play a critical role in delivering more efficient and sustainable services to our residents.”Joone Kim-Lopez has served as CEO and General Manager of the Moulton Niguel Water District in Orange County for the past 14 years, overseeing water, wastewater, and recycling operations. During her tenure, the district was recognized as one of the Top 5 Public Utilities in the World at the 2026 Global Water Awards for its operational efficiency and innovation.

She has also served as a Commissioner on the California Seismic Safety Commission, contributing to disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience. Earlier in her career, while serving as a police officer with the Pasadena Police Department, she was awarded the Silver Medal of Courage for her bravery and service.

Fluent in Korean, English, and Spanish, Kim-Lopez holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from California State University, Northridge, and a Bachelor’s degree in Communication from UC San Diego.Steve Kang, President of the Los Angeles Board of Public Works, said: “The appointment of Joone Kim-Lopez as the new leader of the Sanitation and Environment Department is a profoundly meaningful moment not only for the Korean community but for all of Los Angeles. She is a proven public servant with decades of outstanding leadership and innovation in public service. As the first Korean American to lead one of the Board’s major departments, this appointment demonstrates Los Angeles’ commitment to diversity and inclusion while serving as a powerful source of inspiration and hope for the next generation of Korean Americans.

”This appointment holds great significance in expanding Korean American representation in public office and advancing diversity in leadership. It is expected to inspire future generations of Korean Americans by demonstrating new possibilities and vision in the field of public service.